United in Florida: Day 3

The Black-and-Red are just three days away from their firstscrimmage of 2012. With kickoff set for 2:00 p.m., United will face the ChicagoFire this Sunday, January 29 at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers,Fla. (Match updates will be shared via Twitter). The match is open to the public. Contact FGCU for ticket information.

This morning, the D.C. United technical staff organized ascrimmage in hopes of getting closer to Sunday’s starting lineup. The sessionconsisted of two 30-minute halves in which both new and established players had thechance to get acquainted with one another on the field. The first half saw indications of the possible starting team, as veterandefender Robbie Russell covered the right flank, Perry Kitchen stood behindBranko Boskovic to occupy the defensive midfield, and Dwayne DeRosario played alongside Maicon Santos in the offensive end.

On the opposite side of the pitch, United’s newly acquireddefender Emiliano Dudar participated in his first practice session, pairing upas a center back with Conor Shanosky. Second-year forward Blake Brettschneidershared the attack with trialist Stefan Jerome.

D.C. United’s afternoon schedule was composed of medicaltreatments and a gym session, followed by free time.

INJURY UPDATE

Forward Josh Wolff continues to recover from a stress fracture injury. As a precautionary measure, he has continued to work with United’smedical staff while in Florida and will be evaluated upon arrival in Washington, D.C.

TRIALISTS UPDATE

Brazilian midfielder Marcelo Saragosa recently joined United’spreseason camp. The 30-year old is a product of Sao Paulo FC’syouth system, and has played for the LA Galaxy, FC Dallas and Chivas USA. In 2005, hehelped the Galaxy claim the MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup.

JERSEY NUMBERS

Jersey numbers have been assigned to the newly acquiredplayers and can be purchased at the D.C. United Team Store. These include DannyCruz (#2), Nick DeLeon (#18), Emiliano Dudar (#19) and Maicon Santos (#29).Blake Brettschneider, who previously wore #29, will now wear #11, while Brandon McDonald has exchanged his #2 shirt for #4.